Entrance Exams You Are Required To Write To Study In Canada

The multicultural country provides English and French classes. Canadian universities require admission examinations. These entrance examinations improve your university admission chances. This article will help you understand which exam is needed for Canadian studies.

Canada needs no introduction, with 25 QS World University Rankings in 2022, recognized academic certifications, and a prominent study abroad university. The country’s private and public education systems are well-known. Canada prioritizes education over other industries, therefore private universities receive the most funding.

Top Reasons to study in Canada

Canadian universities are among the world’s best, providing internationally acclaimed education and worldwide recognized degrees. A degree from a Canadian university is a symbol of trust and distinction for a foreign student. Some of the benefits of studying in Canada include:

• 25 Universities listed in QS World University Rankings 2022
• Work and Stay in Canada up to 3 years with work Permit Programs
• Hosts 5 million international students on average
• Toronto ranks as the most preferred student destination
• Home to the largest Co-op program provider (University of Waterloo)

Top Exams Required to Study in Canada

To study in Canada, a student must have IELTS/TOEFL/PTE results. Aside from that, depending on the course and university you have chosen, scores from other exams, such as the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and so on, may be necessary. For studying in Canada, there are specific entry exams. These exams are classified into three types:

• English language requirements
• French language requirements
• Academic requirements

Let’s understand each of these exams for Canada with their description and score list.

English Language Test to Study in Canada

One of the most crucial aspects of studying in Canada is the English language requirement. International students whose native language is not English must take one of the English language tests listed below. This English language test, however, is not given to every student. You must have the following qualifications to be excused from this exam:

• Lived/attended high school or university for 4 years where English was the prime language
• Completed either an English Baccalaureate (IB) Group 1 English, British Curriculum A-Level English with a grade of C/equivalent or British Curriculum GCSE / IGCSE / GCE O-Level English with a grade of B or 5.

To help you understand this topic better, we have listed the scores from the top universities in Canada for better insights.

1. IELTS

IELTS is an acronym that stands for International English Language Testing System. It is one of the most highly regarded English language assessments taken for studies in Canada. Most colleges accept either the Academic or online version of IELTS. Also, most universities, including McGill University, do not recognize IELTS Indicator test scores.

University                                             IELTS Score Requirement

University of Toronto                        Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0

McGill University                               Band score of 6.5 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better

University de Montreal                     Advanced- 7,7.5 & 8 Advanced Intermediate- 5.5,6 & 6.5

University of Alberta                         6.5 with no band less than 6.0

University of British Columbia       Overall score 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component for academics

2. TOEFL

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is another widely considered exam score in Canada. TOEFL consists of Internet base scores (iBT) that includes listening, reading, speaking, and writing:

University of Toronto

TOEFL Score Requirement:

• Minimum total score of 100 + 22 on writing

McGill University

TOEFL Score Requirement:

• Management, Education- 100, Music- 79-80
• Agricultural, Nursing, etc- minimum 90 with 21 components in reading, writing, and listening

University de Montreal 

TOEFL Score Requirement:

• Advanced- 95-114, Advanced Intermediate- 72-94

University of Alberta

TOEFL Score Requirement:

• 90 with minimum of 21 points in each section

University of British Columbia 

TOEFL Score Requirement:

• Based on degree programs- overall 90-100
• Listening- 22
• Reading- 22-27
• Speaking- 21-22
• Writing- 21-29

3. PTE

PTE is an abbreviation for Pearson Test of English Academics. This is another English language exam that most universities take into account. With this exam, you have a better chance of being accepted by well-known universities in the country. PTE is a required exam for Indian students who are applying for SELT. However, PTE results are not required for admission to a select universities.

University                                                    PTE Score Requirement

McGill University                                       Overall 65 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better

University of Alberta                                  61 no less than 60 in communicative skills

University of British Columbia                 Overall 65 ( academics) with minimum 60 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

4. CAEL

CAEL stands for Canadian academic English language. This test should be undertaken by all those students pursuing their education in Canada. This test is accepted in three ways, paper, online, and computer-based.

University                                                           CAEL Score Requirement

University of Toronto                                       Overall 70 no band less than 60

McGill University                                              Band score of 70 or better, Individual component score 60 or better

University de Montreal                                    NIL

University of Alberta ( paper or computer)  Overall 70 no band less than 60

University of British Columbia                        Overall 70, 60 on speaking sub set

5. MELAB

MELAB is an abbreviation for Michigan English Language Assessment Battery. MELAB is a generally accepted score issued by a number of prestigious Canadian universities. MELAB results are available at the majority of Canadian universities for science-based topics such as biotechnology and computer science.

University                                                        MELAB Score Requirement

University of Toronto                                   Overall 85 and no score below 80

McGill University                                          85% or higher

University of Waterloo                                 Overall 85 and 80 per section

University of Alberta                                     85

University of British Columbia                   85

6. CELPIP

CELPIP is an acronym that stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. It is a test that assesses a person’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This type of English language is highly valued while applying for Canadian citizenship. This exam is offered by a number of universities.

University                                                 CELPIP Score Requirement

University of British Columbia             4L for each component

NorQuest University                                4-5

French Language Exams Required to Study in Canada

Canadian universities teach in French. Quebec is Toronto’s most popular language-taught city. Most courses are taught in French. Like English language tests, non-French speakers must take French language exams. TEF is the most popular French language exam.

TEF

• University of Ottawa:  B2
• Université de l’Ontario francais:  600 or more out of 900
• Universite de Montreal: Advanced C1- 500-599/Advanced Intermediate B2- 400-499/ Intermediate- B1- 300-399 and Basic A2- 200-299

Academic Exams Required to Study in Canada

Here’s a list of other subject aptitude tests you may have to take in order to study at a Canadian institution:

1. GRE

GRE is an abbreviation for Graduate Record Examinations. This test assesses a student’s thinking in three areas: vocabulary, math, and analytical thinking. This exam is either optional or not mandatory at the majority of ranking Canadian universities.

2. GMAT

GMAT stands for Graduate management assessment test. This exam measures a student in three sections, analytical writing, verbal skills, and maths. This exam is undertaken when pursuing any management or business-related courses.

Here are the top 5 universities scores for GMAT:

• Business School –  Average GMAT Score Required
• Rotman School of Business – 550 or higher
• Universite de Montreal ( MBA Program) – 620 or higher. Minimum 578
• University of Alberta Business School – Minimum 550
• DeGroote School of Business – 612 ( full-time program)
• Ivey University – Should rank in 75th percentile for verbal and quantitative components

3. MCAT

MCAT stands for Medical college admission test. This exam will be in the format of multiple-choice and is a computer-based exam. Add more info on the exam

Here are the top universities scores for MCAT:

• University of Alberta – 124 minimum
• University of British Columbia – 124 minimum in each section
• University of Toronto – 125 in each section ( allowed 124 in one section)
• University of Victoria – 124 minimum in all four section

4. LSAT

LSAT stands for law school admission test. The exam aims to understand the skills of students to survive the first year of law school.

Here are the top universities scores for LSAT:

University                                                                 Average LSAT Score Required

University of British Columbia                                      166 (93rd percentile)

McGill University                                                              Average 164 (91.7 percentile)

University of Alberta                                                        161 (90th percentile)

University of Victoria                                                       160 (80.4 percentile)

Queen’s University                                                            Minimum 157 (67.4 percentile)

5. SAT

SAT is an abbreviation for Scholastic Assessment Test. It is a necessary exam for students applying to Canadian universities. This is an admission examination for undergraduate students alone. SATs assess students’ verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities.

Here are the top universities scores for SAT:

University                                                                                Average SAT Score Required

University of Western Ontario                                                   Combined score 1100 in critical reading or Math

McGill University                                                                          Evidence-based reading and writing- 670 Math ( Engineering and                                                                                                                              Architecture)- 580( 620)

University of Alberta                                                                     Overall 1200 or higher, not below 600

University of Victoria                                                                     1250

Canada has long been a popular location for international students seeking higher education. During the application procedure, ensure that the above-mentioned entrance test for Canada list is met.

FAQs

Q: Does Canada have entrance exams?

• Yes, there are entrance exams for Canada. The exams are based on the language of instruction you choose to study a course. For instance, if you’re studying a course in English, there is an English language exam you need to pass, for example, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Q: Does Canada accept TOEFL or IELTS?

• Yes, during the admission process, Canada recognizes the two popular examinations TOEFL and IELTS. Students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 and a TOEFL internet-based test score of advanced 95-114 and advanced-intermediate 72-94. Check the university’s official website to see the associated scores, as they vary from one university to the next.

Q: Which medical entrance exam for Canada is required?

• MCAT is the popular medical entrance exam required to study in any top medical school in Canada.

Q: How much is the IELTS exam for Canada?

• IELTS exam fees in Canada are 300 CAD + tax for all Ontario locations and $302.68 + tax for all Vancouver locations.